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NASB | Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation]." |
Subject: Does Christ stand alone for salvation?? |
Bible Note: Paul: The "popular adage" of our works not saving us is frequently referred to as "Ephesians 2:8-9." Hence, it is the divinely-inspired Paul who popularized it. John 3:36 refers to two distinct classes of people. The first are those who believe. The second are those who disobey. People do not fall into BOTH categories. Philippians 2:12 is followed by another verse which completes the truth of God. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." --Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, we are to work, but it is really at God at work to enable us to will and work according to His good pleasure. You are correct that saving faith is not merely a nod of the head at some factual information. True salvation by faith (clearly expressed in Scripture) will always result in sanctification in the believer, which involves obedience. The works will indeed be present in the life of a true believer in Christ, but it is God who produces the works in those who are already His children. We do not become God's adopted heirs through working our way there in the slightest: 'For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness' --Romans 4:3-5 Bottom line? We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone resulting in justification. Those whom God justifies He also sanctifies by the presence of the Holy Spirit and His tranformation of the believer's life. We are not saved BY good works, but we are saved UNTO good works. Rejecting either of these two aspects of the role of works is to misrepresent the salvation that God has brought to humanity. --Joe! |